Abstract: Objective To investigate the protective effect of sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach on anterior cervical function in unilateral thyroidectomy. Methods A total of 78 patients with benign thyroid tumor who underwent unilateral thyroidectomy in Lianyungang Second People's Hospital were collected and divided into two groups according to the different approaches. The observation group (n=33) was treated via the sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach, while the control group (n=45) was treated via the traditional jugular white line approach. The operation procedures, postoperative recovery and short-term complications were compared between the two groups. Results Compared with the control group, the patients in the observation group had shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter drainage time, faster recovery of the anterior neck function, and better cosmetic effect of the incision, the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in length of stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The unilateral thyroidectomy of thyroid gland through sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach can not only achieve the surgical effect, but also better protect the function of anterior cervical region and improve the quality of life after operation, which is worthy of promotion.